2006 Press Releases
U.S. Embassy donates $25,000 to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas
November 6, 2006
U.S. Ambassador John Darrell Rood presented checks totaling approximately twenty-five thousand dollars to three local non profit HIV/AIDS organizations on Thursday, November 2. The funding was made possible though the U.S. Government’s Caribbean Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS fund to promote awareness and education about HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas. Ambassador Rood stated that the fight against HIV/AIDS is a priority for the U.S. Government, which has allocated a record amount of funding for HIV/AIDS over the past few years to support the cause worldwide. In fiscal year 2005, the U.S. provided approximately $2.8 billion to the fight, and for fiscal year 2006 the U.S. commitment has grown to over $3.2 billion. President Bush has requested over $4 billion for fiscal year 2007.
The Ambassador noted that President Bush and Secretary Rice continue to encourage U.S. Ambassadors in the Caribbean to forge new initiatives and partnerships that will make a difference in this region. In his remarks, Ambassador Rood revealed the startling statistic that 40 million people worldwide are infected with the deadly disease, but of that number, only twenty percent know they are infected. The Ambassador encouraged people to be tested for their own good and to help prevent the unwitting spread of HIV/AIDS to others.
National HIV/AIDS Program Director Dr. Perry Gomez accepted a check in the amount of $5,000 for the HIV/AIDS Center. The funds will be used to support the Center’s “Know Your Status Campaign” -- an ongoing preventative strategy geared toward encouraging Bahamians to be tested for HIV/AIDS. While thanking the U.S. Embassy for its continued support, Dr. Gomez noted that since the “Know Your Status Campaign” began in 2005, there has been a mild increase in reported HIV infections. He stated that although the number of new cases was only fifty, the key component for an accurate count of HIV/AIDS cases in The Bahamas can only be done through testing. Dr. Gomez believes that testing for HIV/AIDS should become a part of routine physical examinations here in The Bahamas.
Ms. Rosa Mae Bain and Mr. Wellington Adderly of the HIV/AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas received two checks, in the amounts of $10, 095 and $4,869 respectively. The larger check will be used to help underwrite the Concert for Positive Living, which will be held at the end of November at the New Providence Community Center. The smaller check will be used to underwrite the cost of an HIV/AIDS Awareness Junkanoo Quilt -- a compilation of art works done this summer by some 200 children from throughout The Bahamas under the direction of artist Lillian Blades. The Junkanoo Quilt will be unveiled at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas on November 21 and will subsequently travel throughout the Family Islands.
The New Providence Community Centre (NPCC) received $5,005 to fund its Face of AIDS campaign. Mr. Clint Kemp, Pastor of NPCC explained that the campaign is a collaborative effort with support from AmFAR and Kenneth Cole. It will feature a series of photos depicting well-known Bahamians to show solidarity and unity with those that suffer from HIV. The posters will be displayed at various schools, government offices and private businesses. It is hoped that this outreach will go a long way in reducing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Ambassador Rood thanked the Embassy partners for their continued support in the fight against HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas.